Swampscott's Big Blue Bargains raises money for charity. They comb through the donations and don't…read moreput out any junk. The hours are limited, but it's worth a trip. I just want to correct what another poster said: Big Blue Bargains is located on Norfolk Ave in Swampscott and the back door of the former Clarke Elementary School (not the Middle School which is on a different street).

I almost want to keep this place all to myself, but I have to share whenever I find a great thrift…read moreshop. I went to Big Blue Bargains today for the first time. They're located on the backside of Swampscott Middle School and the friendly volunteers told me that they've been open for four years. They operate to raise funds for the Swampscott school system. This place is awesome - they have mostly clothes for adults and kiddos, with some small home goods and a smattering of other random items. I got some great stuff and all on the cheap - 2 pair of pants, 2 workout tops, a pair of boots, a backpack, and a couple small decorative items, all for about $20. I'll be visiting this store again, and I hope you will, too! Word to the wise, they're only open Wed mornings and Saturdays until 1 and they seem to be cash only (tho I didn't verify this).

This was a horrible place to go to. My husband and I have rarely ever had to use a food pantry…read more We had been there a year ago. We went early this morning. All we really needed was some bread and vegetables. We stood on a long, slow line outside in the freezing cold. When we finally got in there we got to the desk and the woman there was beyond rude. We gave her our photo ID's with the correct address. She was quite nasty stating we needed to have a utility bill. We told her that we didnt know this, that it had been a year since we had been there. That made her become even more rude, insisted that we had to re sign up and literally threw us out like we were garbage! It was interesting to notice however that there were several people there who did not have all the needed id but were let through anyway. It seemed predjudiced that people who were not white, who could not speak english who had a huge family were still allowed to get food even though many of them did not have all that was needed. There was no reason for this woman to be so nasty and to treat us like garbage. I will never go there again. There are several other places in Salem that off the same service.

I was admitted to Operation ABLE's Work/Study program a few years ago in my late Sixties. I was not…read morelooking to get a Full Time Job but I did know I wanted to either learn some Technical Computer Skills which I never thought I would ever learn at my age so that I could do some part time work somewhere or a Home Business which definitely would need Excel, Word, and make Presentations. I also learned while there they had a 'Medical Terminology Course', which would feed my previous Army Medical background and learn more up to date terms for work at a Hospital or similar area. The many weeks I was there; with the absolutely patient, understanding, and very loving and talented 'Friends' made there; I have made my life ; because of Operation ABLE's Staff much more enjoyable; and made money I never dreamed of. Let us all support this program as long as God keeps us here. They will always be part of my Heart's 'Family' and I wish them well........ A Check is on the way. Well Deserved. Frank Pignone Stoneham Mass. Age 72 and as active as 40.......due to this program.

From the owner: Since 1982, Operation ABLE, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, has provided job seekers with training…read moreprograms and employment services. Our mission and passion is to empower our community of job seekers, the underemployed, those in career transition, and military veterans who need job support services to re-enter the workforce. We offer a variety of services including occupational and computer skills training, workshops, job search training and support, coaching and counseling, and some training programs offer internships.

I've been here once before- July of 2011, and I am so happy to be able to visit again!!! I have…read morefamily in CT and John has family in Mass & NH- so this might be a more frequent place to visit witch (yup- intended) is FINE by me!!! I have lived a life full of knowing things I shouldn't, saying out loud someone's secret that they have never told, having those gut feelings, drawn to nature and rocks/crystals. I have been a witch long before I knew to call myself a witch. Silly to some- deeply spiritual for me. Nature is my reverent space. Salem is this crazy blend of tourist trap and plenty of occult, new age, witches- you name it! You can come here and study the craft, get all sorts of readings, buy many, many tools, crystal, tarot, books, herbs, incense and so much more. It's the week of Halloween and when we first got into town- it was still sleepy, stores just opening. But by the time lunch rolled around the streets were brimming with excitement, witch hats, cloaks and more. Some dressed up as the Sanderson Sisters, some in regular clothing. I was donning my casual witch hat and fall leggings~ but not over the top witchy attire. IF I lived anywhere close- I would have been head to toe decked out! It's so much fun to dress up. There is so much history here- founded in 1626, just 6 years after the pilgrams landed- this little town has seen so much. Salem was 6th largest in the US in 1790! Largest colonial era seaport & one of the richest city in America because of the trade going through the ports. As ships got larger, the harbor was too shallow to accommodate- by the end of the 1800's Salem's ports were barely used. Mostly known for the witch trials- In January of 1692, the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris of Salem Village became ill. William Griggs, the village doctor, was called in when they failed to improve. His diagnosis of bewitchment put into motion the forces that would ultimately result in the hanging deaths of 19 men and women. In addition one man was pressed to death; several others died in prison, and the lives of many were irrevocably changed. There are several museums and tours throughout Salem to dive deep into these stories. Visit Salem and become enchanted!

From the owner: We specialize in giving the true history for the town of Salem throughout it's long history with…read moreexpert resources. We offer I wide range of historic tours from the rise and fall of the seaport industry to the real life story of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Great. best place ever. Great people. The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, welcoming space where…read morekids and teens can grow and feel supported. It helps young people build confidence, character, and leadership skills. The staff and volunteers are caring, dedicated, and truly invested in every child's success. The club offers positive role models who inspire kids to make good choices. Programs encourage academic success, creativity, and healthy lifestyles. It creates a strong sense of belonging and community. The club helps kids discover their talents and passions. It supports families by offering a reliable, enriching environment after school. Children learn important life skills, teamwork, and responsibility. The Boys & Girls Club helps shape confident, responsible, and kind future leaders.

From the owner: Fun & nurturing after school programs for kids from 5 to 18 years old; homework help, computer…read moreprograms that help with match to specialty clubs from cooking to legos, making new friends.